Be Informed

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

When will the rail system begin operating?

The first phase of the system from Kapolei to Aloha Stadium may open in late 2020. And five years later, in 2025, the entire system, from Kapolei to Ala Moana Center, is expected to be fully operational.

There will be a single fare system for the train and TheBus. Transit riders will be able to use a single pass to ride both the train and TheBus. Senior, student, and other discounts for bus service will apply.

Yes. Rail will eliminate an estimated 40,000 car trips from our congested streets and highways. If you know what traffic is like when UH and private schools are out for the summer, you have an idea of the difference rail will make.

$1.55 billion of the construction cost is being paid for with funds from the Federal Transit Administration. A large percentage is being paid by tourists making purchases on Oahu (to which the half-percent GET surcharge applies), and the balance is being paid by residents and businesses (through the half-percent GET surcharge).

By 2030, nearly 70 percent of Oahu's population and more than 80 percent of the island's jobs will be located along the 20-mile rail corridor. Rail will connect major residential areas with primary job centers. There will be stops downtown, at three UH system campuses, Aloha Stadium, the Honolulu International Airport and several shopping centers. Rail will offer a convenient way to get to work, school or home. In addition, rail will provide a way to attend special events at Aloha Stadium, catch flights at the airport, or enjoy concerts at the Blaisdell Center, without the hassles of parking and traffic.

Each year during construction, the rail transit project will help generate an average of 10,000 jobs. Thousands of jobs in construction, engineering, and professional services will be created as a direct result of the rail project. In addition thousands of other indirect jobs will be created by businesses that provide goods and services to the project. The direct investment of federal and local funds will boost the economy and increase demand for goods and services at local businesses, while increasing tax revenues for the City and State. Transit oriented development around rail stations will sustain the demand for jobs in a variety of industries for many years in the future.